[Analysis on detection rate of thyroid nodule and influencing factors in children and adolescents in Jiangsu Province].

Objective: To evalaute the prevalence and determinants of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents in Jiangsu Province. Methods: This study included in-school students aged 8-17 years and selected through stratified cluster random sampling in Jiangsu. Thyroid nodule was diagnosed when its diameter was ≥3 mm. Random urine samples were collected for the detection of urinary iodine concentration with arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed by using χ² test and logistic regression model. Results: In the 8 201 children and adolescents selected, the thyroid nodule detection rate was 16.10%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with those with urinary iodine levels of 100-299 μg/L, boys, those with normal body weight, those who were satisfied with their school performance, urinary iodine concentration ≥300 μg/L (OR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.31), being girls (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.26-1.60), being overweight (OR=1.27, 95%CI: 1.07-1.50), being obese (OR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.03-1.47), and dissatisfied with school performance (OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.04-1.43) were associated with higher likelihood of thyroid nodule detection. Children and adolescents who had solid snacks 2 times per week to 2 times per month (OR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.74-0.99) or less than 2 times per month (OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.68-0.93) were more likely to have lower detection rate compared with those who had solid snacks more than 2 times per week. The detection rate of thyroid nodule increased with age (OR=1.09, 95%CI: 1.06-1.11). Conclusion: The main factors influencing the detection rate of thyroid nodule in children and adolescents aged 8-17 years in Jiangsu included gender, age, urinary iodine concentration, BMI, self-assessed school performance and dietary habit.